In this New Year 2026 episode of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, host Keven Cohen kicks off the year with Superintendent Chris Neeley from the South Carolina Public Charter School District to look back at the first half of the 2025–26 school year and preview what is ahead. They touch on rising reading scores, ongoing work to strengthen math, and how student mental health, family engagement, and the removal of phones from classrooms are shaping a stronger learning environment.​

Chris also shares how the district is growing by adding 14 new schools, pursuing funding for facilities in rural communities, and reviewing a record number of applications from groups hoping to open new charter schools across South Carolina. The conversation offers a hopeful glimpse at how charter innovation, local leadership, and new school options are expanding opportunities for families in the Midlands and beyond.

🔗 Learn more: https://sccharter.org

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In this year-end episode of Kids First Radio, host Keven Cohen welcomes John R. Payne, Deputy Superintendent of Sponsor Performance for the South Carolina Public Charter School District. John shares insight into the rigorous process of starting a charter school, from community applications to ensuring accountability and strong student outcomes. He and Keven discuss the importance of giving parents and students meaningful choices in public education while keeping academic standards high.

Together, they explore how charter schools across South Carolina are revitalizing communities, serving diverse student populations, and offering innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The conversation highlights how these schools turn challenges into opportunities, especially in underserved areas, by focusing on affordability, accessibility, and student success.

🔗 Learn more: https://sccharter.org

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On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen sits down with Emalee Baker, Deputy Superintendent for Support and Implementation at the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Emalee explains how charter schools across the state are rethinking educator recruitment and development to address the ongoing teacher shortage. She highlights the district's Charter Inspire teacher certification program, which allows schools to "grow their own" educators by helping professionals in other fields transition into teaching while earning certification on the job.

The conversation explores how PCSD charters are breaking down barriers for teachers, offering flexibility, removing red tape, and empowering educators to focus on their classrooms. Emalee shares real examples of how this creative approach is not only filling classrooms but also cultivating confident and committed teachers ready to shape the next generation of learners.

🔗 Learn more: https://ed.sc.gov/educators/alternative-certification/charter-inspire

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On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen is joined by Dr. Perry Mills from the South Carolina Public Charter School District and Dr. James Thompson, Workforce Development Manager at the S.C. Commission on Higher Education, for a timely discussion on how South Carolina can better prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Dr. Thompson shares how his statewide role connects K12 schools, higher education, and industry partners so students can move seamlessly from classrooms into high-demand careers in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and public safety.

The conversation digs into why workforce development must start well before high school, with early career exploration, apprenticeships, internships, and even virtual reality experiences that help students "get their hands dirty" while building essential soft skills. Keven, Dr. Mills, and Dr. Thompson also address lingering social skill gaps from the COVID years and explain how schools, families, and employers can work together so that more South Carolina students graduate truly career and college ready.

🔗 Learn more: https://che.sc.gov/

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On this episode of Kids First on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen is joined by Richard Shepard, high school principal of York Preparatory Academy in Rock Hill. Richard shares how York Prep, a K–12 public charter school, continues to thrive through teamwork, strong family engagement, and an unwavering focus on student success. He discusses the school's "Futures in Focus" program, which connects students with colleges, career counselors, and local businesses to prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

The conversation highlights York Prep's culture of high expectations, its flexibility to make real-time improvements, and its commitment to investing in teachers and students alike. Richard and Keven also touch on York Prep's national recognition, its vibrant programs that include athletics and performing arts, and the school's upcoming appearance in Washington, D.C.'s 250th Memorial Day Parade.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.yorkprepsc.org/

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On this episode of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley welcome Dr. Keith Bailey, founder and executive director of Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy in Bishopville. Dr. Bailey shares the school's journey from humble beginnings on a gravel road to becoming a thriving K–12 community that champions innovation through a problem-based learning model tailored to real-world challenges.

The conversation celebrates the opening of PDMSTA's brand-new facility. It honors the legacy of Dr. Bailey's late mother, whose vision laid the foundation for educational opportunity in rural Lee County. Together, the guests discuss how collaboration, community pride, and dedicated educators are building hope and academic excellence for local students.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.pdmsta.org/

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On this Thanksgiving edition of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, host Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley share a heartfelt conversation about gratitude for students, families, educators, and the communities that make South Carolina's public charter schools possible. Between talk of turkey, football, and time with family, Keven and Chris reflect on the blessing of having children home for the holiday and the privilege of serving kids through a show that always keeps "kids first" at the center.​

The episode also offers a glimpse into why this season of thankfulness is so meaningful for the charter school community, highlighting how school choice, hands-on learning, and strong parent commitment are helping students build brighter futures across the state. Listeners hear how charter schools are embracing local needs, expanding opportunities, and preparing students for college, careers, and life, all while staying focused on what is best for every child in South Carolina.​

🔗 Learn more: https://sccharter.org/

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On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen welcomes John S. Payne from the South Carolina Public Charter School District and Kim Statler, Executive Director of Polaris Tech Charter School in Ridgeland. Kim recounts the school's growth from its 2018 opening with grades 6 to 10 to becoming a full K-12 program serving over 500 learners. She highlights how Polaris Tech's mission centers on academic achievement, intentional support, and expanding career pathways in fields like aerospace, IT, and business, all of which are vital in South Carolina's evolving job market. Kim notes the importance of exposing students to real-world opportunities and emphasizes the school's robust dual enrollment program with local colleges, allowing high schoolers to earn college credits and certificates before graduation.

Kim points out the school's strategy of maintaining small class sizes and a close-knit community to maximize individual impact. At the same time, John shares how charter schools like Polaris Tech offer families the freedom to choose educational options not limited by geography. The episode shines a light on Polaris Tech's hands-on learning approach, community engagement, and workforce development, highlighting how educators and families are committed to driving student success in Jasper County.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.polaristech.org/

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